Gender dimensions of chemicals and waste policies in Kyrgyzstan

Between 2019 and 2021, WECF and its partners in Kyrgyzstan (BIOM, EKOIS ) studied the gender impacts of hazardous chemicals, on request of the UN Environment secretariat of the chemicals conventions (Basel Rotterdam Stockholm).

Scoping studies were carried out in 2019, with a focus on the implementation of the International Chemicals Conventions, the Basel Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions. Multi-stakeholder dialogue sessions with civil society, governments and the private sector took place in Bishkek.

The project partners visited numerous hotspots of chemical pollution such as the large hazardous waste site near the capital, as well as the asbestos-cement factory in Kant. Meetings were organised with both environmental protection groups, concerned citizens and women’s organisations, as with pesticide retailers selling illegal products.

The results of the scoping studies were presented to and discussed with authorities and stakeholders, with recommendations for gender-responsive measures to reduce chemical pollution being formulated and introduced.

The recommendations were presented at the United Nations in Geneva, during the Conference of Parties of the BRS Conventions, as well as at the United Nations in New York, during the High-Level Political Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals.

The project is financially supported by UN Environment.